<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2019-australia-hail-steve-smith-as-bradman-incarnate-247942">Steve Smith</a> is regarded as the best "problem solver" in cricket today by Australia coach Justin Langer, himself a former Test batsman.&nbsp;

Smith, who played match-winning knocks during the ongoing Ashes series, has been a vital cog for the team.&nbsp;The five-match series has been tied 1-1 so far and the fourth Test match in Manchester&nbsp;is underway.&nbsp;

Smith, who is&nbsp;on course to enjoy one of the most productive series by any batsman in Test history, hit a splendid double century which was the centrepiece of Australia's 497/8 declared on the second day of the fourth Test.&nbsp;

It was his third century in four innings this series following scores of 144 and 142 in the opener at Edgbaston — Smith's first Test since completing a 12-month ball-tampering ban.&nbsp;

Smith's 211 at Old Trafford has put the team in a good command as Aussies look to retain the urn.&nbsp;

During the presser after the end of the second day, Smith was asked if this series feels different following a year ban.&nbsp;

Smith replied, "It doesn't really feel too different. I guess the first two innings at Edgbaston felt a little bit different."&nbsp;

"They were incredibly satisfying in my first game back. Since then I've just felt, yeah I'm just playing the game. I'm trying to represent Australia to the best of my ability and my job's to score runs," he added.&nbsp;

"Fortunately this series I've been able to do that and help the team and get them into a good position," Smith added.&nbsp;

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Australia have declared on 497/8 after some late hitting from Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc! 
 
England's new-look opening pair of Rory Burns and Joe Denly will face a tricky 40-minute spell tonight. Can they survive to the close? 
 
Follow the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashes</a> live 👇<a href="https://t.co/zrb0K55IBc">https://t.co/zrb0K55IBc</a> <a href="https://t.co/QjA2ZP8nL0">pic.twitter.com/QjA2ZP8nL0</a>
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Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting described Smith as a "genius" and seemingly impervious to any bowler's plans.

"To think how good Bradman must have been -- to be a third again better than what Steve Smith's doing at the moment -- is ridiculous," Ponting told Cricket Australia's website (cricket.com.au).

"(Smith's) got four, five, six years of good cricket ahead of him, which if you add it up, that's probably another 80, 90 test matches.

"Then he's played 150 games and could have all sorts of numbers and records by then and let's hope he does, because the way he's going about it now, the way he's playing, he deserves to get the rewards from that."

Steve Smith is regarded as the best "problem solver" in cricket today by Australia coach Justin Langer, himself a former Test batsman. Smith, who played match-winning knocks during the ongoing Ashes series, has been a vital cog for the team.

Steve Smith is regarded as the best "problem solver" in cricket today by Australia coach Justin Langer, himself a former Test batsman. Smith, who played match-winning knocks during the ongoing Ashes series, has been a vital cog for the team. The five-match series has been tied 1-1 so far and the fourth Test match in Manchester is underway. Smith, who is on course to enjoy one of the most productive series by any batsman in Test history, hit a splendid double century which was the centrepiece of Australia's 497/8 declared on the second day of the fourth Test. It was his third century in four innings this series following scores of 144 and 142 in the opener at Edgbaston — Smith's first Test since completing a 12-month ball-tampering ban. Smith's 211 at Old Trafford has put the team in a good command as Aussies look to retain the urn. During the presser after the end of the second day, Smith was asked if this series feels different following a year ban. Smith replied, "It doesn't really feel too different. I guess the first two innings at Edgbaston felt a little bit different." "They were incredibly satisfying in my first game back. Since then I've just felt, yeah I'm just playing the game. I'm trying to represent Australia to the best of my ability and my job's to score runs," he added. "Fortunately this series I've been able to do that and help the team and get them into a good position," Smith added. Australia have declared on 497/8 after some late hitting from Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc! England's new-look opening pair of Rory Burns and Joe Denly will face a tricky 40-minute spell tonight. Can they survive to the close? Follow the #Ashes live 👇https://t.co/zrb0K55IBc pic.twitter.com/QjA2ZP8nL0 — ICC (@ICC) September 5, 2019 × Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting described Smith as a "genius" and seemingly impervious to any bowler's plans. "To think how good Bradman must have been -- to be a third again better than what Steve Smith's doing at the moment -- is ridiculous," Ponting told Cricket Australia's website (cricket.com.au). "(Smith's) got four, five, six years of good cricket ahead of him, which if you add it up, that's probably another 80, 90 test matches. "Then he's played 150 games and could have all sorts of numbers and records by then and let's hope he does, because the way he's going about it now, the way he's playing, he deserves to get the rewards from that."

'Problem solver' Steve Smith talks about playing Ashes series after a year ban

Australia on Tuesday dropped struggling batsman&nbsp;Usman&nbsp;Khawaja&nbsp;for the fourth Ashes Test against England at Old Trafford, making way for Steve Smith's return.&nbsp;

Selectors named a 12-man squad for the Test beginning Wednesday, with David Warner and Marcus Harris as openers but leaving out&nbsp;Khawaja, who has averaged just 20.33 in six innings in the series batting at number three.

Leading batsman Smith, who suffered concussion after being hit on the head by Jofra Archer in the second Test at Lord's, returns after sitting out last week's agonising loss at Headingley which levelled the five-match series 1-1 with two Tests to play.&nbsp;

Smith has scored 378 runs at an average of 126 in three innings in the series and was back on the field in last week's tour match against Derbyshire.&nbsp;

The 32-year-old&nbsp;Khawaja&nbsp;scored 72 opening the batting against Derbyshire, but it was not enough to convince selectors to keep him in the side.&nbsp;

Harris has been retained after making eight and 19 at Headingley in his first Ashes Test then scoring 64 against Derbyshire before he was run out in a mix-up with&nbsp;Khawaja.&nbsp;

Coach Justin Langer told reporters in Manchester that he was "very clear on the 12, not so sure on the 11", with the decision coming down to the bowling line-up.&nbsp;

Pace bowler James Pattinson has also been left out, leaving fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Peter Siddle to compete for three places.&nbsp;

Langer said losing at Headingley by one wicket after bowling out England for 67 in the first innings was a "really tough loss" for the team, but their preparations for the upcoming game had been solid.&nbsp;

"We felt like we got the Ashes stolen the other day," he said of England's successful chase of their record 359 target. "To England's great credit, that's what they did — they won that Test match.&nbsp;

"Now we've got to work out what we're going to do — we're going to use that as fire, we're not going to feel sorry for ourselves."&nbsp;

Australia squad: David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Matt Wade, Tim Paine (capt), Pat Cummins, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

Australia on Tuesday dropped struggling batsman Usman Khawaja for the fourth Ashes Test against England at Old Trafford, making way for Steve Smith's return. Selectors named a 12-man squad for the Test beginning Wednesday, with David Warner and Marcus Harris as openers but leaving out Khawaja, who has averaged just 20.

Australia on Tuesday dropped struggling batsman Usman Khawaja for the fourth Ashes Test against England at Old Trafford, making way for Steve Smith's return. Selectors named a 12-man squad for the Test beginning Wednesday, with David Warner and Marcus Harris as openers but leaving out Khawaja, who has averaged just 20.33 in six innings in the series batting at number three. Leading batsman Smith, who suffered concussion after being hit on the head by Jofra Archer in the second Test at Lord's, returns after sitting out last week's agonising loss at Headingley which levelled the five-match series 1-1 with two Tests to play. Smith has scored 378 runs at an average of 126 in three innings in the series and was back on the field in last week's tour match against Derbyshire. The 32-year-old Khawaja scored 72 opening the batting against Derbyshire, but it was not enough to convince selectors to keep him in the side. Harris has been retained after making eight and 19 at Headingley in his first Ashes Test then scoring 64 against Derbyshire before he was run out in a mix-up with Khawaja. Coach Justin Langer told reporters in Manchester that he was "very clear on the 12, not so sure on the 11", with the decision coming down to the bowling line-up. Pace bowler James Pattinson has also been left out, leaving fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Peter Siddle to compete for three places. Langer said losing at Headingley by one wicket after bowling out England for 67 in the first innings was a "really tough loss" for the team, but their preparations for the upcoming game had been solid. "We felt like we got the Ashes stolen the other day," he said of England's successful chase of their record 359 target. "To England's great credit, that's what they did — they won that Test match. "Now we've got to work out what we're going to do — we're going to use that as fire, we're not going to feel sorry for ourselves." Australia squad: David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Matt Wade, Tim Paine (capt), Pat Cummins, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

Usman Khawaja dropped as Steve Smith returns for fourth Ashes Test

The rain gods played spoilsport on Tuesday in the semi-final 1 between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-jasprit-bumrah-has-bowled-most-maiden-overs-in-world-cup-2019-234432">India </a>and New Zealand as the match was halted and the players were off the field at Old Trafford in Manchester in the 47th over of the New Zealand innings.

The rain continued throughout the day and the umpires decided to call off play on Tuesday and take the World Cup 2019 semi-final 1 onto the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-semi-final-new-zealand-2115-against-india-as-rain-stops-play-234446">reserve day</a> (Wednesday, July 10).

New Zealand thus will continue their innings at 211 for 5 in 46.1 overs if there is no further rain delay.

The weather forecast on Wednesday is not too bright either.&nbsp;

It is expected to be cloudy in the morning and the sun may come out when the semi-final resumes on the reserve day at 10:30 AM BST (3 PM IST).&nbsp;

Rain is expected to hit the pitch again at 12 PM BST (5:30 PM IST) and again by 5 PM (9 PM IST).

The chances of rain are very high and Team <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-virat-kohli-takes-stunning-catch-to-dismiss-new-zealands-martin-guptill-in-semi-final-234308">India </a>will hope to have a full game instead of a 20-over game to have better chances to win the match.

If there is a shortened game today and New Zealand do not resume their batting, according to the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method (DLS) the targets as per the overs in play would be:

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			<td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Overs</td>
			<td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Target</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 46</td>
			<td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 237</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 40</td>
			<td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 223</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 35</td>
			<td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 209</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 30</td>
			<td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 192</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 25</td>
			<td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 172</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 20</td>
			<td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 148</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

For the semi-final match to be completed, India are required to bat for at least 20 overs.&nbsp;

If after the reserve day the match is also washed out and does not reach a result, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-semi-final-1st-india-vs-new-zealand-234231">India </a>will progress to the final as they finished higher in the points table to New Zealand in the group stage.

The rain gods played spoilsport on Tuesday in the semi-final 1 between India and New Zealand as the match was halted and the players were off the field at Old Trafford in Manchester in the 47th over of the New Zealand innings.

The rain gods played spoilsport on Tuesday in the semi-final 1 between India and New Zealand as the match was halted and the players were off the field at Old Trafford in Manchester in the 47th over of the New Zealand innings. The rain continued throughout the day and the umpires decided to call off play on Tuesday and take the World Cup 2019 semi-final 1 onto the reserve day (Wednesday, July 10). New Zealand thus will continue their innings at 211 for 5 in 46.1 overs if there is no further rain delay. The weather forecast on Wednesday is not too bright either. It is expected to be cloudy in the morning and the sun may come out when the semi-final resumes on the reserve day at 10:30 AM BST (3 PM IST). Rain is expected to hit the pitch again at 12 PM BST (5:30 PM IST) and again by 5 PM (9 PM IST). The chances of rain are very high and Team India will hope to have a full game instead of a 20-over game to have better chances to win the match. If there is a shortened game today and New Zealand do not resume their batting, according to the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method (DLS) the targets as per the overs in play would be: Overs Target 46 237 40 223 35 209 30 192 25 172 20 148 For the semi-final match to be completed, India are required to bat for at least 20 overs. If after the reserve day the match is also washed out and does not reach a result, India will progress to the final as they finished higher in the points table to New Zealand in the group stage.

World Cup: Rain may play spoilsport again on reserve day at Manchester in India vs New Zealand semi-final 1

Two-time champions India and 2015 runners-up New Zealand will leave no stone unturned when they will battle for final World Cup berth at Manchester's Old Trafford cricket stadium.&nbsp;

However, the rain gods might have something else planned for today's game.

Light showers are expected in the morning, which will lead to overcast conditions in the late morning at Old Trafford.&nbsp;

Fast bowlers will love the cloud cover over the Old Trafford pitch, if Indian captain Virat Kohli wins the toss he would want to make use of his pace attack spearheaded by Bumrah &amp; Co although Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed had chosen to ball first at the same venue after winning the toss against India and lost, so it will be a tough call for anybody calling the toss.

The rain is expected to affect the crucial first hour of the match, according to the weather report.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-know-what-will-happen-if-india-vs-new-zealand-match-gets-abandoned-234101">Know what will happen if India vs New Zealand match gets abandoned</a>

Showers are expected at 11 am BST (3:30 pm IST) and after clearing up in an hour again it is set to hit by 6 pm BST (10:30 pm IST) in the last stages of the game.

The maximum temperature in Manchester is expected to be around 20 degrees.

Cloud cover is expected throughout the day and selection of the playing XI will depend on the conditions of the pitch.

India's league-stage match against New Zealand in Nottingham was washed out due to rain.

In case of another washout today, the reserve day will come into play and the two teams will play the semi-final on Wednesday.

Watch: Virat's pre-match press conference

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If Wednesday's game is also washed out, then India, with more points in the group stages than New Zealand, will progress to play the final.

Two-time champions India and 2015 runners-up New Zealand will leave no stone unturned when they will battle for final World Cup berth at Manchester's Old Trafford cricket stadium.

Two-time champions India and 2015 runners-up New Zealand will leave no stone unturned when they will battle for final World Cup berth at Manchester's Old Trafford cricket stadium. However, the rain gods might have something else planned for today's game. Light showers are expected in the morning, which will lead to overcast conditions in the late morning at Old Trafford. Fast bowlers will love the cloud cover over the Old Trafford pitch, if Indian captain Virat Kohli wins the toss he would want to make use of his pace attack spearheaded by Bumrah & Co although Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed had chosen to ball first at the same venue after winning the toss against India and lost, so it will be a tough call for anybody calling the toss. The rain is expected to affect the crucial first hour of the match, according to the weather report. Also Read: Know what will happen if India vs New Zealand match gets abandoned Showers are expected at 11 am BST (3:30 pm IST) and after clearing up in an hour again it is set to hit by 6 pm BST (10:30 pm IST) in the last stages of the game. The maximum temperature in Manchester is expected to be around 20 degrees. Cloud cover is expected throughout the day and selection of the playing XI will depend on the conditions of the pitch. India's league-stage match against New Zealand in Nottingham was washed out due to rain. In case of another washout today, the reserve day will come into play and the two teams will play the semi-final on Wednesday. Watch: Virat's pre-match press conference × If Wednesday's game is also washed out, then India, with more points in the group stages than New Zealand, will progress to play the final.

World Cup: Overcast clouds, rain expected at Manchester ahead of India vs New Zealand semi-final

The first semi-final of Cricket World Cup 2019 between India and New Zealand, which is underway in Manchester's Old Trafford,&nbsp;has been stopped due to rain.&nbsp;

Opting to bat first,&nbsp;New Zealand reached 211/5 off 46.1 overs before the match was halted.&nbsp;

The umpires will try everything they can to complete the game today and have&nbsp;at least a&nbsp;minimum of 20 overs per innings as there is an additional two hours' playing time to complete the match.&nbsp;

Although, if the conditions don't allow to get the match started then play will resume tomorrow, which is scheduled as the reserve day for today's match.&nbsp;

But the reserve day will only come into operation if the minimum 20 over-per-side match needed for a result under the Duckworth-Lewis method&nbsp;cannot be finished.&nbsp;

In that case, the match would continue Wednesday from where it left off rather than be re-started.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-old-trafford-becomes-no-fly-zone-for-india-vs-new-zealand-semi-final-clash-234279">Old Trafford becomes 'no fly zone' for India vs New Zealand semi-final clash</a>

Watch: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-virat-kohli-takes-stunning-catch-to-dismiss-new-zealands-martin-guptill-in-semi-final-234308">Virat Kohli takes stunning catch to dismiss New Zealand's Martin Guptill in semi-final</a>

But if a 20 overs per side match cannot be completed on Wednesday as well, India would reach the final owing to their better finish in the 10-team group stage.&nbsp;

In the match, Ross Taylor was 67 not out and Tom Latham three not out when persistent rain worsened sufficiently for the umpires to take the players off the field at 2:00pm (1300 GMT) with 23 balls of the scheduled 50 overs in the innings left.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson had earlier made 67.

India's pacer Jasprit Bumrah led a&nbsp;disciplined bowling attack as in his eight overs, he took&nbsp;1 wicket and gave 25 runs.&nbsp;

The first semi-final of Cricket World Cup 2019 between India and New Zealand, which is underway in Manchester's Old Trafford, has been stopped due to rain. Opting to bat first, New Zealand reached 211/5 off 46.

The first semi-final of Cricket World Cup 2019 between India and New Zealand, which is underway in Manchester's Old Trafford, has been stopped due to rain. Opting to bat first, New Zealand reached 211/5 off 46.1 overs before the match was halted. The umpires will try everything they can to complete the game today and have at least a minimum of 20 overs per innings as there is an additional two hours' playing time to complete the match. Although, if the conditions don't allow to get the match started then play will resume tomorrow, which is scheduled as the reserve day for today's match. But the reserve day will only come into operation if the minimum 20 over-per-side match needed for a result under the Duckworth-Lewis method cannot be finished. In that case, the match would continue Wednesday from where it left off rather than be re-started. Also Read: Old Trafford becomes 'no fly zone' for India vs New Zealand semi-final clash Watch: Virat Kohli takes stunning catch to dismiss New Zealand's Martin Guptill in semi-final But if a 20 overs per side match cannot be completed on Wednesday as well, India would reach the final owing to their better finish in the 10-team group stage. In the match, Ross Taylor was 67 not out and Tom Latham three not out when persistent rain worsened sufficiently for the umpires to take the players off the field at 2:00pm (1300 GMT) with 23 balls of the scheduled 50 overs in the innings left. New Zealand captain Kane Williamson had earlier made 67. India's pacer Jasprit Bumrah led a disciplined bowling attack as in his eight overs, he took 1 wicket and gave 25 runs.

India vs New Zealand, semi-final: Know about reserve day rules

The first semi-final of Cricket World Cup 2019 between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-semi-final-1st-india-vs-new-zealand-234231">India and New Zealand</a> is underway at Manchester's Old Trafford stadium and the Kiwis have opted to bat first.&nbsp;

The venue has been made a "No Fly Zone" for security purposes as during India's last league stage match, a flight flew carrying a political message over the stadium during the Sri Lanka innings.&nbsp;

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has written to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that airspace over Old Trafford, in Manchester will remain shut during the match, as per the ANI source.&nbsp;

ECB also told BCCI that the Old Trafford stadium has been made a "no fly zone" for the match.&nbsp;

After the security breach during India vs Sri Lanka match, the ICC issued a statement and said that they do not condone any sort of political messages at the tournament.&nbsp;

"We are incredibly disappointed this has happened again. We do not condone any sort of political messages at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup," an ICC statement said.&nbsp;

ICC further said they were assured by the West Yorkshire Police that such incidents will not be repeated. &nbsp;

It was the third time that such kind of incident took place during the ongoing tournament.&nbsp;

The first semi-final of Cricket World Cup 2019 between India and New Zealand is underway at Manchester's Old Trafford stadium and the Kiwis have opted to bat first.

The first semi-final of Cricket World Cup 2019 between India and New Zealand is underway at Manchester's Old Trafford stadium and the Kiwis have opted to bat first. The venue has been made a "No Fly Zone" for security purposes as during India's last league stage match, a flight flew carrying a political message over the stadium during the Sri Lanka innings. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has written to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that airspace over Old Trafford, in Manchester will remain shut during the match, as per the ANI source. ECB also told BCCI that the Old Trafford stadium has been made a "no fly zone" for the match. After the security breach during India vs Sri Lanka match, the ICC issued a statement and said that they do not condone any sort of political messages at the tournament. "We are incredibly disappointed this has happened again. We do not condone any sort of political messages at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup," an ICC statement said. ICC further said they were assured by the West Yorkshire Police that such incidents will not be repeated. It was the third time that such kind of incident took place during the ongoing tournament.

World Cup: Old Trafford becomes 'no fly zone' for India vs New Zealand semi-final clash

West Indies batsman Chris Gayle is ready for the World Cup match between India and Pakistan, scheduled on June 16 at Old Trafford, Manchester.

Gayle shared a picture of himself donning a white suit with patches of orange and green with a grey patch in between on one side of the outfit, symbolic of the Indian flag, while the other had patches of green, symbolic of his support to Pakistan.

The West Indian also said he will wear the same attire on his birthday, which falls in September. "Yup! I'm rocking my India Pakistan Suit, all love and respect! I really love it and this will be one of my outfit at my birthday party September 20th... its lit," Gayle captioned his Instagram post.

Cricket World Cup Instagram handle too shared the picture of Gayle in his India-Pakistan suit and wrote, "the Universe Boss is ready for the match.

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"Earlier in the day, India captain Virat Kohli dismissed any question of pressure in playing arch-rivals Pakistan and said no game is more special or less regardless of the opposition and that the atmosphere in the dressing room has not changed.

Kohli indicated that depending on the weather and playing conditions there could be changes in the playing squad.

Addressing the pre-match press conference, Kohli said in a philosophical vein that the World Cup match against Pakistan will not last a lifetime as it starts and ends at a certain time and the 50-over tournament will still go on even if the result goes against the Indian team.

Relationship with the Pakistani players was good, he said and praised a couple of them.

On the other hand, Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur said that his team has not played a perfect game yet. The coach also said if Pakistan put all disciplines together, then they can beat anyone in the world.

"If we put three disciplines together, we can beat anyone in the world. We haven't put a perfect game yet, we are confident of displaying perfect cricketing skills. If we put it all together, we are a good cricket team.

"There`s pressure on each and every game. We are excited about tomorrow and we are pretty confident that we will perform to the best of our ability," Arthur said.&nbsp;

West Indies batsman Chris Gayle is ready for the World Cup match between India and Pakistan, scheduled on June 16 at Old Trafford, Manchester. Gayle shared a picture of himself donning a white suit with patches of orange and green with a grey patch in between on one side of the outfit, symbolic of the Indian flag, while the other had patches of green, symbolic of his support to Pakistan.

West Indies batsman Chris Gayle is ready for the World Cup match between India and Pakistan, scheduled on June 16 at Old Trafford, Manchester. Gayle shared a picture of himself donning a white suit with patches of orange and green with a grey patch in between on one side of the outfit, symbolic of the Indian flag, while the other had patches of green, symbolic of his support to Pakistan. The West Indian also said he will wear the same attire on his birthday, which falls in September. "Yup! I'm rocking my India Pakistan Suit, all love and respect! I really love it and this will be one of my outfit at my birthday party September 20th... its lit," Gayle captioned his Instagram post. Cricket World Cup Instagram handle too shared the picture of Gayle in his India-Pakistan suit and wrote, "the Universe Boss is ready for the match. View this post on Instagram Yup! I’m rocking my india 🇮🇳 Pakistan 🇵🇰 Suit, all love and respect!😉 ✌🏿... I really love it and this will be one of my outfit at my birthday party September 20th 😁...its lit 🔥 👌🏿🕺🏾🥂 #FashionOverStyle #UniverseBoss #KingGayle #45 #333 #Suit @sidbafna #Attiitude #CWC19 A post shared by KingGayle 👑 (@chrisgayle333) on Jun 15, 2019 at 5:16am PDT × "Earlier in the day, India captain Virat Kohli dismissed any question of pressure in playing arch-rivals Pakistan and said no game is more special or less regardless of the opposition and that the atmosphere in the dressing room has not changed. Kohli indicated that depending on the weather and playing conditions there could be changes in the playing squad. Addressing the pre-match press conference, Kohli said in a philosophical vein that the World Cup match against Pakistan will not last a lifetime as it starts and ends at a certain time and the 50-over tournament will still go on even if the result goes against the Indian team. Relationship with the Pakistani players was good, he said and praised a couple of them. On the other hand, Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur said that his team has not played a perfect game yet. The coach also said if Pakistan put all disciplines together, then they can beat anyone in the world. "If we put three disciplines together, we can beat anyone in the world. We haven't put a perfect game yet, we are confident of displaying perfect cricketing skills. If we put it all together, we are a good cricket team. "There`s pressure on each and every game. We are excited about tomorrow and we are pretty confident that we will perform to the best of our ability," Arthur said.

Chris Gayle dons special suit for India-Pak World Cup clash

On the eve of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-cup-key-players-to-watch-out-for-in-india-vs-pakistan-clash-227188">India vs Pakistan match</a>, a miniature of the Cricket World Cup trophy crafted by an Indian jewellery-making unit was seen in India's Ahmedabad.&nbsp;

The mini trophy was prepared in three months and it will be gifted to the Indian cricket team, but there is one condition.&nbsp;

Virat Kohli-led team will only win the mini trophy if they win against Pakistan when they square off in Manchester on June 16.&nbsp;

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-miandads-on-field-antics-to-tendulkars-brilliance-throwback-to-india-and-pakistans-world-cup-history-227335">Throwback to India and Pakistan's World Cup history</a>

The 18-mm high trophy is composed of 22 carats of gold and weighs 0.880 milligrams.&nbsp;

Two-times champions India, who have won all six of their meetings against their neighbours in World Cups, go into the contest in good shape, with two victories and a no-result so far.

Pakistan, led by Sarfaraz Ahmed, are struggling in the 10-team table with just one win -- an upset against England -- two defeats and a washout.

"We're not focusing on the opposition, so for us no one's a threat. For us, no one player matters more than the other,"&nbsp;Kohli&nbsp;said at Old Trafford on Saturday.

"It's about going into the park as the Indian cricket team and taking on whichever team is in front of us. If we play well, we can beat any side in the world," he said.

On the eve of India vs Pakistan match, a miniature of the Cricket World Cup trophy crafted by an Indian jewellery-making unit was seen in India's Ahmedabad. The mini trophy was prepared in three months and it will be gifted to the Indian cricket team, but there is one condition.

On the eve of India vs Pakistan match, a miniature of the Cricket World Cup trophy crafted by an Indian jewellery-making unit was seen in India's Ahmedabad. The mini trophy was prepared in three months and it will be gifted to the Indian cricket team, but there is one condition. Virat Kohli-led team will only win the mini trophy if they win against Pakistan when they square off in Manchester on June 16. In pics: Throwback to India and Pakistan's World Cup history The 18-mm high trophy is composed of 22 carats of gold and weighs 0.880 milligrams. Two-times champions India, who have won all six of their meetings against their neighbours in World Cups, go into the contest in good shape, with two victories and a no-result so far. Pakistan, led by Sarfaraz Ahmed, are struggling in the 10-team table with just one win -- an upset against England -- two defeats and a washout. "We're not focusing on the opposition, so for us no one's a threat. For us, no one player matters more than the other," Kohli said at Old Trafford on Saturday. "It's about going into the park as the Indian cricket team and taking on whichever team is in front of us. If we play well, we can beat any side in the world," he said.

Guess who will win this miniature Cricket World Cup trophy?

Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq described the World Cup match against India on Sunday as a "huge-pressure game", which has also become a must-win one for his side following the loss to Australia here.

Despite some late defiance from captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and freewheeling number nine Wahab Riaz, Pakistan succumbed to a 41-run loss to Australia on Wednesday and are now in an increasingly precarious position in eighth place in the standings.

Asked if the defeat made the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-need-to-overcome-mistakes-to-beat-india-says-sarfaraz-after-australia-defeat-226683">high-pressure match against India</a> at Old Trafford a must-win affair, Imam admitted,&nbsp;"Yes, we've had one game rained off which was very important for us - every game now is very important for us, so yes you can say that.''

"Obviously, to be part of that kind of game, it's great. It's in Manchester, lots of Pakistani fans there - so I'm really excited about it. It's a huge pressure game, obviously. Pakistan and India, there's a lot of mysteries behind that but we want to just focus on our cricket strengths and how we can get better," Imam said

Imam also felt <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-david-warner-stars-in-australias-41-run-win-over-pakistan-226669">"hugely disappointed"</a> after getting out tamely just when he thought he was in a position to inspire his side to a famous win over defending champions Australia.

Pakistan's opener looked in fine form and had just reached his 50 in a dangerous-looking partnership with veteran Mohammad Hafeez.

At that stage his side was at 136/2, chasing what seemed a reachable target of 308. But he was dismissed for 53 off 75 balls in soft fashion by Pat Cummins.

From a ball which was short down the leg side, and would have been called a wide had he left it alone, Imam tried to pull but could only glove it to the Australian wicket-keeper Alex Carey.

It was a dismissal that transformed the match with three more wickets tumbling quickly and it left Imam so crestfallen that he hung his head and could barely drag himself back to the pavilion.

"Obviously, I'm playing well - and this team depends on me and Babar (Azam). When Babar got out (for 30), it was then my responsibility and I was going well but it was not a good ball that got me out, the same as I did against the West Indies.

"I knew I'd spent a hell of a lot of time on a tricky wicket so I knew it wouldn't be easy for any new batsman to come in. So it was a huge disappointment because it's a World Cup stage and if you get set, you really have to make it count if you want to stay in the tournament," he said. 
&nbsp;

Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq described the World Cup match against India on Sunday as a "huge-pressure game", which has also become a must-win one for his side following the loss to Australia here.

Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq described the World Cup match against India on Sunday as a "huge-pressure game", which has also become a must-win one for his side following the loss to Australia here. Despite some late defiance from captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and freewheeling number nine Wahab Riaz, Pakistan succumbed to a 41-run loss to Australia on Wednesday and are now in an increasingly precarious position in eighth place in the standings. Asked if the defeat made the high-pressure match against India at Old Trafford a must-win affair, Imam admitted, "Yes, we've had one game rained off which was very important for us - every game now is very important for us, so yes you can say that.'' "Obviously, to be part of that kind of game, it's great. It's in Manchester, lots of Pakistani fans there - so I'm really excited about it. It's a huge pressure game, obviously. Pakistan and India, there's a lot of mysteries behind that but we want to just focus on our cricket strengths and how we can get better," Imam said Imam also felt "hugely disappointed" after getting out tamely just when he thought he was in a position to inspire his side to a famous win over defending champions Australia. Pakistan's opener looked in fine form and had just reached his 50 in a dangerous-looking partnership with veteran Mohammad Hafeez. At that stage his side was at 136/2, chasing what seemed a reachable target of 308. But he was dismissed for 53 off 75 balls in soft fashion by Pat Cummins. From a ball which was short down the leg side, and would have been called a wide had he left it alone, Imam tried to pull but could only glove it to the Australian wicket-keeper Alex Carey. It was a dismissal that transformed the match with three more wickets tumbling quickly and it left Imam so crestfallen that he hung his head and could barely drag himself back to the pavilion. "Obviously, I'm playing well - and this team depends on me and Babar (Azam). When Babar got out (for 30), it was then my responsibility and I was going well but it was not a good ball that got me out, the same as I did against the West Indies. "I knew I'd spent a hell of a lot of time on a tricky wicket so I knew it wouldn't be easy for any new batsman to come in. So it was a huge disappointment because it's a World Cup stage and if you get set, you really have to make it count if you want to stay in the tournament," he said.

World Cup: High-pressure India game a must-win for Pakistan, says Imam-ul-Haq

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said Manchester United's home ground Old Trafford is no longer the fortress it used to be as City look to win all three points and take the lead in the Premier League title race.

City, who are two points behind league leaders Liverpool, play their game in hand at sixth-placed United on Wednesday (April 24), with the home side looking to make up for lost ground in their own battle for a top-four spot.

United have lost only one league game at home this season but Guardiola, whose side have won on their last two visits to Old Trafford, was confident albeit wary of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team that are hurting after a 4-0 loss at Everton.

City will be without influential midfielder Kevin De Bruyne after he suffered a hamstring injury in the 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur over the weekend. The Belgian has already missed many games this season with knee and thigh injuries.

Guardiola also addressed speculation around Riyad Mahrez who was reported by British media to be unhappy with his playing time at the club. The Algerian winger has started only 13 of City's 34 league games this season.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said Manchester United's home ground Old Trafford is no longer the fortress it used to be as City look to win all three points and take the lead in the Premier League title race.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said Manchester United's home ground Old Trafford is no longer the fortress it used to be as City look to win all three points and take the lead in the Premier League title race. City, who are two points behind league leaders Liverpool, play their game in hand at sixth-placed United on Wednesday (April 24), with the home side looking to make up for lost ground in their own battle for a top-four spot. United have lost only one league game at home this season but Guardiola, whose side have won on their last two visits to Old Trafford, was confident albeit wary of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team that are hurting after a 4-0 loss at Everton. City will be without influential midfielder Kevin De Bruyne after he suffered a hamstring injury in the 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur over the weekend. The Belgian has already missed many games this season with knee and thigh injuries. Guardiola also addressed speculation around Riyad Mahrez who was reported by British media to be unhappy with his playing time at the club. The Algerian winger has started only 13 of City's 34 league games this season.

Old Trafford not a scary venue any more, says Man City's Pep Guardiola

Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez is concerned people may not have seen his best at Old Trafford as he continues to fight for an extended run of playing time this season.

The Chile international is a shadow of the player he was at Arsenal, having scored just five goals in 37 appearances since moving to United in January 2018.

"I would like to have brought more joy to the club," Sanchez told the BBC.

"Yes, it worries me because I believe in my abilities as a player, I want to show it."

After struggling for form and fitness under former manager Jose Mourinho, Sanchez has fallen further down the pecking order under caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

"He (Solskjaer) hasn't spoken to me a great deal about what I have to do on the pitch, but I think I'm an experienced player and I think I know what I need to do and what I shouldn't do," Sanchez added.

The 30-year-old is behind Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial in contention for first-team spots and did his chances no good after an underwhelming display as a substitute in Tuesday's Champions League defeat by Paris St Germain.

Sanchez, however, confirmed he was injured after an assistant referee ran into him as he warmed up on the sidelines.

"I've got bruising but that's not an excuse for not being on my game in the way that I normally am," he said.

"I'm a player that, if I'm not in contact with the ball, I lose that spark, and sometimes I want to play in every game. You're in, you're out, and I'm used to playing.

"It's not an excuse because if I go on for 10, 20 minutes, I have to perform because that's what I'm here for, to make a difference."

United next face FA Cup holders Chelsea in the fifth round at Stamford Bridge on Monday.

Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez is concerned people may not have seen his best at Old Trafford as he continues to fight for an extended run of playing time this season.

Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez is concerned people may not have seen his best at Old Trafford as he continues to fight for an extended run of playing time this season. The Chile international is a shadow of the player he was at Arsenal, having scored just five goals in 37 appearances since moving to United in January 2018. "I would like to have brought more joy to the club," Sanchez told the BBC. "Yes, it worries me because I believe in my abilities as a player, I want to show it." After struggling for form and fitness under former manager Jose Mourinho, Sanchez has fallen further down the pecking order under caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. "He (Solskjaer) hasn't spoken to me a great deal about what I have to do on the pitch, but I think I'm an experienced player and I think I know what I need to do and what I shouldn't do," Sanchez added. The 30-year-old is behind Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial in contention for first-team spots and did his chances no good after an underwhelming display as a substitute in Tuesday's Champions League defeat by Paris St Germain. Sanchez, however, confirmed he was injured after an assistant referee ran into him as he warmed up on the sidelines. "I've got bruising but that's not an excuse for not being on my game in the way that I normally am," he said. "I'm a player that, if I'm not in contact with the ball, I lose that spark, and sometimes I want to play in every game. You're in, you're out, and I'm used to playing. "It's not an excuse because if I go on for 10, 20 minutes, I have to perform because that's what I'm here for, to make a difference." United next face FA Cup holders Chelsea in the fifth round at Stamford Bridge on Monday.

Alexis Sanchez worried over losing his spark at Man United

Chilean forward Alex Sanchez returned to haunt his old club with the opening goal in Manchester United's 3-1 victory at Arsenal in a heavyweight FA Cup fourth-round clash on Friday.

In his first appearance back at the Emirates Stadium since swapping north London for Old Trafford a year ago, Sanchez silenced the inevitable boos to help continue Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's remarkable start as United's interim manager.

Sanchez and Jesse Lingard scored within two minutes of each other in the first half but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang replied just before halftime to set up an engrossing second half.

Arsenal suffered injury blows, with defenders Sokratis and Laurent Koscielny both being forced off, although they pushed hard for an equaliser in the second period.

But United, who are second behind Arsenal in all-time FA Cup wins with 12, absorbed the pressure and sealed an eighth successive win for Solskjaer in the 82nd minute when substitute Anthony Martial tapped home after a counter-attack.

A feisty tie threatened to boil over late on with United substitute Marcus Rashford and Arsenal's Sead Kolasinac squaring up near the touchline to spark a melee in which a coin was thrown from the crowd towards Lingard.

Rashford and Kolasinac were both booked with six yellow cards handed out in total by referee Craig Pawson.

United's former Norwegian hitman Solskjaer arrived as a stop-gap with United at a low ebb after a rancorous few months under the sacked Jose Mourinho, but has transformed the mood at the club and appears to be unable to do any wrong.

"It's fantastic to go through in the cup. It's one of the hardest games you can get," Solskjaer, whose start has eclipsed that of the great Matt Busby, said.

"Today we looked more like a proper team. We looked more structured. Today was a big step forward.

"It's easy to get excited and talk about the future but we need to just keep working and think about the next game."

Confident United

United arrived brimming with confidence, especially after their Premier League win at Tottenham Hotspur a fortnight ago.

Solskjaer said Friday's display was a step up on that display at Wembley and his decision to start with two players who have struggled for form, proved inspirational.

Sanchez, who scored 60 league goals for Arsenal in 4-1/2 seasons, revelled in a rare start in front of the fans who used to sing his name, while Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku produced one of his best performances in a United shirt.

Arsenal began brightly and United back-up Sergio Romero was the busier of the two keepers.

But Unai Emery's side were rocked in the 31st minute when Lukaku's superb reverse pass put Sanchez in and he calmly rounded keeper Petr Cech before clipping in from a tight angle.

Two minutes later an Arsenal attack broke down, Luke Shaw set Lukaku away down the right and the Belgian rolled the ball across for the unmarked Lingard to sidefoot past Cech.

Arsenal got a lifeline just before the break when the excellent Aaron Ramsey's cut-back saw Alexandre Lacazette make a hash of his attempt but the ball arrived at the feet of Aubameyang who could not miss.

A hectic finish to an absorbing first half ended with Shkodran Mustafi heading just wide and straight after the interval Romero's reflex save stopped a Koscielny header.

Koscielny's involvement came to an abrupt end when the Arsenal skipper was accidentally caught in the face by Lukaku's trailing leg -- the Frenchman receiving lengthy treatment before groggily going off to be replaced by Matteo Guendouzi.

Out-of-favour Mesut Ozil also came off the bench, replacing Alex Iwobi, but Arsenal's hopes of rescuing the tie were over when Paul Pogba surged clear and his shot was parried by Cech into the path of Martial who sent the United fans wild.

In the night's other fourth-round clash Bristol City beat Bolton Wanderers 2-1.

Chilean forward Alex Sanchez returned to haunt his old club with the opening goal in Manchester United's 3-1 victory at Arsenal in a heavyweight FA Cup fourth-round clash on Friday.

Chilean forward Alex Sanchez returned to haunt his old club with the opening goal in Manchester United's 3-1 victory at Arsenal in a heavyweight FA Cup fourth-round clash on Friday. In his first appearance back at the Emirates Stadium since swapping north London for Old Trafford a year ago, Sanchez silenced the inevitable boos to help continue Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's remarkable start as United's interim manager. Sanchez and Jesse Lingard scored within two minutes of each other in the first half but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang replied just before halftime to set up an engrossing second half. Arsenal suffered injury blows, with defenders Sokratis and Laurent Koscielny both being forced off, although they pushed hard for an equaliser in the second period. But United, who are second behind Arsenal in all-time FA Cup wins with 12, absorbed the pressure and sealed an eighth successive win for Solskjaer in the 82nd minute when substitute Anthony Martial tapped home after a counter-attack. A feisty tie threatened to boil over late on with United substitute Marcus Rashford and Arsenal's Sead Kolasinac squaring up near the touchline to spark a melee in which a coin was thrown from the crowd towards Lingard. Rashford and Kolasinac were both booked with six yellow cards handed out in total by referee Craig Pawson. United's former Norwegian hitman Solskjaer arrived as a stop-gap with United at a low ebb after a rancorous few months under the sacked Jose Mourinho, but has transformed the mood at the club and appears to be unable to do any wrong. "It's fantastic to go through in the cup. It's one of the hardest games you can get," Solskjaer, whose start has eclipsed that of the great Matt Busby, said. "Today we looked more like a proper team. We looked more structured. Today was a big step forward. "It's easy to get excited and talk about the future but we need to just keep working and think about the next game." Confident United United arrived brimming with confidence, especially after their Premier League win at Tottenham Hotspur a fortnight ago. Solskjaer said Friday's display was a step up on that display at Wembley and his decision to start with two players who have struggled for form, proved inspirational. Sanchez, who scored 60 league goals for Arsenal in 4-1/2 seasons, revelled in a rare start in front of the fans who used to sing his name, while Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku produced one of his best performances in a United shirt. Arsenal began brightly and United back-up Sergio Romero was the busier of the two keepers. But Unai Emery's side were rocked in the 31st minute when Lukaku's superb reverse pass put Sanchez in and he calmly rounded keeper Petr Cech before clipping in from a tight angle. Two minutes later an Arsenal attack broke down, Luke Shaw set Lukaku away down the right and the Belgian rolled the ball across for the unmarked Lingard to sidefoot past Cech. Arsenal got a lifeline just before the break when the excellent Aaron Ramsey's cut-back saw Alexandre Lacazette make a hash of his attempt but the ball arrived at the feet of Aubameyang who could not miss. A hectic finish to an absorbing first half ended with Shkodran Mustafi heading just wide and straight after the interval Romero's reflex save stopped a Koscielny header. Koscielny's involvement came to an abrupt end when the Arsenal skipper was accidentally caught in the face by Lukaku's trailing leg -- the Frenchman receiving lengthy treatment before groggily going off to be replaced by Matteo Guendouzi. Out-of-favour Mesut Ozil also came off the bench, replacing Alex Iwobi, but Arsenal's hopes of rescuing the tie were over when Paul Pogba surged clear and his shot was parried by Cech into the path of Martial who sent the United fans wild. In the night's other fourth-round clash Bristol City beat Bolton Wanderers 2-1.

FA Cup: Manchester United maintain perfect record under Solskjaer as they beat Arsenal 3-1

Manchester United interim coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer expects his players to relish the opportunity of playing at Old Trafford after scoring five goals in a Premier League match for the first time in five years.

Solskjaer's caretaker spell until the end of the season got off to an ideal start with a 5-1 win at Cardiff City on Saturday but United still remain eight points behind fourth-placed Chelsea in the table.

United have recorded only four wins in eight home league games this season, and Solskjaer has urged his players to step up to the plate when they host Huddersfield Town on Wednesday.

"I think the boys are looking forward to playing at Old Trafford and that's important," Solskjaer, who replaced the sacked Jose Mourinho last week, told reporters.

"It's not like they were outperforming themselves (at Cardiff). We'll evaluate, look at a few clips and as I said earlier we can do better, we can understand each other better."

United players, who appeared shackled by the pragmatic approach under Mourinho, enjoyed greater creative freedom at Cardiff as they netted five goals in a league match for the first time since Alex Ferguson's last game in charge in 2013.

Solskjaer, who won six Premier League titles under Ferguson, said it was critical his players respected the club's traditions by sticking to an attacking style of play.

"They've not said anything about any handbrake but we spoke today in the team meeting about how when we get one (goal), we want to get two. When we get two, we want to get three," Solskjaer added.

"The attacking philosophy is in the walls of Man United. That's tradition, that's history, that's how we want to play. This was a good reflection of what we want."

Manchester United interim coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer expects his players to relish the opportunity of playing at Old Trafford after scoring five goals in a Premier League match for the first time in five years.

Manchester United interim coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer expects his players to relish the opportunity of playing at Old Trafford after scoring five goals in a Premier League match for the first time in five years. Solskjaer's caretaker spell until the end of the season got off to an ideal start with a 5-1 win at Cardiff City on Saturday but United still remain eight points behind fourth-placed Chelsea in the table. United have recorded only four wins in eight home league games this season, and Solskjaer has urged his players to step up to the plate when they host Huddersfield Town on Wednesday. "I think the boys are looking forward to playing at Old Trafford and that's important," Solskjaer, who replaced the sacked Jose Mourinho last week, told reporters. "It's not like they were outperforming themselves (at Cardiff). We'll evaluate, look at a few clips and as I said earlier we can do better, we can understand each other better." United players, who appeared shackled by the pragmatic approach under Mourinho, enjoyed greater creative freedom at Cardiff as they netted five goals in a league match for the first time since Alex Ferguson's last game in charge in 2013. Solskjaer, who won six Premier League titles under Ferguson, said it was critical his players respected the club's traditions by sticking to an attacking style of play. "They've not said anything about any handbrake but we spoke today in the team meeting about how when we get one (goal), we want to get two. When we get two, we want to get three," Solskjaer added. "The attacking philosophy is in the walls of Man United. That's tradition, that's history, that's how we want to play. This was a good reflection of what we want."

Man United must relish Old Trafford, says coach Solskjaer

Manchester United's David de Gea was hailed as the best keeper in the world by his manager Jose Mourinho after the Spaniard's amazing second-half save was instrumental in his side qualifying for the Champions League last 16 on November 27.

"He is the best goalkeeper in the world. If our ambitions are to have the best in the world, we have to keep him," Mourinho told reporters after one extraordinary save in the Group H game again demonstrated the Spaniard's value to United.

"First of all let me send a message to my lovers and say that I play Champions League for 14 years and I qualify 14 times. And the year, the two years where I didn't play Champions League I won the Europa League twice. So, in 16 years, 14 times I qualify and twice I play Europa League and I won. Just a little curiosity for my lovers and the lovers of the stats," Mourinho added.

Following a last-gasp 1-0 win over Young Boys at Old Trafford, Mourinho was also adamant that it was crucial to United's ambitions to keep the 28-year-old, who has been linked with French champions Paris St Germain.

The home side had been labouring and, with the Swiss champions growing in confidence, a 70th-minute Ulisses Garcia shot took a deflection and looked to have put the visitors ahead until De Gea flung himself backwards to claw the ball to safety.

Goal-line technology demonstrated that the ball was on the line when he somehow managed to perform his acrobatic heroics.

United went on to grab a 91st-minute winner thanks to a Marouane Fellaini strike, with the Belgian appearing to touch the ball with his arm as he swivelled to strike it.

Spain international De Gea has been at the centre of a drawn-out contract saga at United, who have failed to nail him down with a new deal this year. The most recent British media reports say he will move to PSG in the close season.

Mourinho, who went on to pick up and hurl a drinks container to the ground after the winning goal, admitted his "relief" that it meant United would now not have to suffer a nervous night in Valencia in the final round of group matches.

His United side, though, had gone through a now-familiar lengthy struggle to earn the win, raising more questions about their chances of going much further in the knockout stages.

The Portuguese coach also had a reminder for his 'lovers' by telling his critics that he has qualified for the Champions League 14 times and won the Europa League twice.

Manchester United's David de Gea was hailed as the best keeper in the world by his manager Jose Mourinho after the Spaniard's amazing second-half save was instrumental in his side qualifying for the Champions League last 16 on November 27.

Manchester United's David de Gea was hailed as the best keeper in the world by his manager Jose Mourinho after the Spaniard's amazing second-half save was instrumental in his side qualifying for the Champions League last 16 on November 27. "He is the best goalkeeper in the world. If our ambitions are to have the best in the world, we have to keep him," Mourinho told reporters after one extraordinary save in the Group H game again demonstrated the Spaniard's value to United. "First of all let me send a message to my lovers and say that I play Champions League for 14 years and I qualify 14 times. And the year, the two years where I didn't play Champions League I won the Europa League twice. So, in 16 years, 14 times I qualify and twice I play Europa League and I won. Just a little curiosity for my lovers and the lovers of the stats," Mourinho added. Following a last-gasp 1-0 win over Young Boys at Old Trafford, Mourinho was also adamant that it was crucial to United's ambitions to keep the 28-year-old, who has been linked with French champions Paris St Germain. The home side had been labouring and, with the Swiss champions growing in confidence, a 70th-minute Ulisses Garcia shot took a deflection and looked to have put the visitors ahead until De Gea flung himself backwards to claw the ball to safety. Goal-line technology demonstrated that the ball was on the line when he somehow managed to perform his acrobatic heroics. United went on to grab a 91st-minute winner thanks to a Marouane Fellaini strike, with the Belgian appearing to touch the ball with his arm as he swivelled to strike it. Spain international De Gea has been at the centre of a drawn-out contract saga at United, who have failed to nail him down with a new deal this year. The most recent British media reports say he will move to PSG in the close season. Mourinho, who went on to pick up and hurl a drinks container to the ground after the winning goal, admitted his "relief" that it meant United would now not have to suffer a nervous night in Valencia in the final round of group matches. His United side, though, had gone through a now-familiar lengthy struggle to earn the win, raising more questions about their chances of going much further in the knockout stages. The Portuguese coach also had a reminder for his 'lovers' by telling his critics that he has qualified for the Champions League 14 times and won the Europa League twice.

Mourinho has message for 'lovers', smashes water bottles as United win

Cristiano&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;is set to return to former club Manchester United as Juventus travel to Old Trafford, England, UK for a crunch Group H clash on Tuesday.

Recently, Ronaldo has been dealing with several off-field distractions after some serious&nbsp;allegations were&nbsp;levelled against him.

A woman named Kathryn Mayorga sued him in&nbsp;a district court in Clark County, Nevada in the United State,&nbsp;alleging he raped her in 2009 in a Las Vegas hotel penthouse suite.

Mayorga is a former US-based model.

While&nbsp;Cristiano&nbsp;had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-denies-rape-accusations-tweet-169258">denied the allegations</a> via tweet, saying his conscience was clear and that he would calmly await the results of any investigation.

"I firmly deny the accusations being issued against me. Rape is an abominable crime that goes against everything that I am and believe in," he wrote in a tweet.

Speaking at a news conference on Monday,&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;paid tribute to his family as he spoke to reporters for the first time on&nbsp;Mayorga claims.

He said, "I know that I'm an example. I know 100 percent. In the pitch and outside the pitch. So I'm all smiles. I'm a happy man. I'm blessed to play at a fantastic club. I have a fantastic family. I have four kids, I am healthy, I have everything. The rest doesn't interfere with me."

Another reporter asked&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;directly about his thoughts on Mayorga, "Well you've never spoken about this, but what are your thoughts about Kathryn Mayorga?"

Ronaldo&nbsp;replied: "I'm very happy. My lawyers they are confident and of course I am too. The most important is that I enjoy football, I enjoy my life. The rest I have people who take care of my life."

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to return to former club Manchester United as Juventus travel to Old Trafford, England, UK for a crunch Group H clash on Tuesday. Recently, Ronaldo has been dealing with several off-field distractions after some serious allegations were levelled against him.

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to return to former club Manchester United as Juventus travel to Old Trafford, England, UK for a crunch Group H clash on Tuesday. Recently, Ronaldo has been dealing with several off-field distractions after some serious allegations were levelled against him. A woman named Kathryn Mayorga sued him in a district court in Clark County, Nevada in the United State, alleging he raped her in 2009 in a Las Vegas hotel penthouse suite. Mayorga is a former US-based model. While Cristiano had denied the allegations via tweet, saying his conscience was clear and that he would calmly await the results of any investigation. "I firmly deny the accusations being issued against me. Rape is an abominable crime that goes against everything that I am and believe in," he wrote in a tweet. Speaking at a news conference on Monday, Ronaldo paid tribute to his family as he spoke to reporters for the first time on Mayorga claims. He said, "I know that I'm an example. I know 100 percent. In the pitch and outside the pitch. So I'm all smiles. I'm a happy man. I'm blessed to play at a fantastic club. I have a fantastic family. I have four kids, I am healthy, I have everything. The rest doesn't interfere with me." Another reporter asked Ronaldo directly about his thoughts on Mayorga, "Well you've never spoken about this, but what are your thoughts about Kathryn Mayorga?" Ronaldo replied: "I'm very happy. My lawyers they are confident and of course I am too. The most important is that I enjoy football, I enjoy my life. The rest I have people who take care of my life."

Watch: I won't lie, I'm a happy man, says Ronaldo on Kathryn Mayorga

After a goalless first leg in Spain, it is Sevilla FC that stunned, rather shocked the Jose Mourinho-led Manchester United at their home ground to advance to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Wissam Ben Yedder, the first substitute of the game for Sevilla, created history by inspiring the team in reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time in sixty years.

Ben Yedder blasted the first goal in 74th minute to give a 1-0 lead to the team by hitting a beautiful grounded shot in the right corner.

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????????&nbsp;Fiesta at Old Trafford! ????????????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/I9B2g93qzr">pic.twitter.com/I9B2g93qzr</a>
&mdash; UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/973685148599406593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Mourinho responded by throwing on Anthony Martial and Juan Mata, but their attacking edge was needed far earlier as Ben Yedder soon stretched the lead to solidify the victory in just after 2 minutes. The second goal was actually a poor defence by Manchester players when Ben Yedder&#39;s header baffled the United&#39;s goalkeeper De Gea.

Ben Yedder was substituted by Luis Muriel in the 72nd minute and made the difference for Sevilla.

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Sevilla hero Wissam Ben Yedder has scored 8 goals in 7 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> games this season. ???????????? <a href="https://t.co/vhBJozoGh1">pic.twitter.com/vhBJozoGh1</a>
&mdash; UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/973676470626344962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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For Manchester, Romelu Lukaku tried to salvage the pride at Old Trafford by heading a magnificent goal in the 84th minute and grabbed a consolation for Jose Mourinho&#39;s under-par side but the 1-2 aggregate ousted The Red Devils from the 2018 Champions league.

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A disappointing night for Manchester United...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/wEvzDDLMl2">pic.twitter.com/wEvzDDLMl2</a>
&mdash; UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/973677324632776706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In a basic, boring and&nbsp;dull first half&nbsp;both the sides were creating chances but the intent of netting was lacking.&nbsp;

Manchester was close to taking a 1-0 lead but the sharp cut was dejected Sevilla goalkeeper, Sergio Rico.

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If ANYTHING pushed us to history at Old Trafford it&#39;s you ???? 
 
THANK YOU SEVILLISTAS ❤️❤️❤️ <a href="https://t.co/Gz5rqZkKl2">pic.twitter.com/Gz5rqZkKl2</a>
&mdash; Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) <a href="https://twitter.com/SevillaFC_ENG/status/973676567527329794?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Though Sevilla had more chances than United and they completely outplayed Manchester United in the first half.

Manchester United have now failed to reach the quarter-finals for five straight years.

&nbsp;

Sevilla reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time in sixty years; The Jose Mourinho-led Manchester United crashed out

After a goalless first leg in Spain, it is Sevilla FC that stunned, rather shocked the Jose Mourinho-led Manchester United at their home ground to advance to the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Wissam Ben Yedder, the first substitute of the game for Sevilla, created history by inspiring the team in reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time in sixty years. Ben Yedder blasted the first goal in 74th minute to give a 1-0 lead to the team by hitting a beautiful grounded shot in the right corner. ???????? Fiesta at Old Trafford! ????????????#UCL pic.twitter.com/I9B2g93qzr — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 13, 2018 × Mourinho responded by throwing on Anthony Martial and Juan Mata, but their attacking edge was needed far earlier as Ben Yedder soon stretched the lead to solidify the victory in just after 2 minutes. The second goal was actually a poor defence by Manchester players when Ben Yedder's header baffled the United's goalkeeper De Gea. Ben Yedder was substituted by Luis Muriel in the 72nd minute and made the difference for Sevilla. Sevilla hero Wissam Ben Yedder has scored 8 goals in 7 #UCL games this season. ???????????? pic.twitter.com/vhBJozoGh1 — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 13, 2018 × For Manchester, Romelu Lukaku tried to salvage the pride at Old Trafford by heading a magnificent goal in the 84th minute and grabbed a consolation for Jose Mourinho's under-par side but the 1-2 aggregate ousted The Red Devils from the 2018 Champions league. A disappointing night for Manchester United...#UCL pic.twitter.com/wEvzDDLMl2 — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 13, 2018 × In a basic, boring and dull first half both the sides were creating chances but the intent of netting was lacking. Manchester was close to taking a 1-0 lead but the sharp cut was dejected Sevilla goalkeeper, Sergio Rico. If ANYTHING pushed us to history at Old Trafford it's you ???? THANK YOU SEVILLISTAS ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/Gz5rqZkKl2 — Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) March 13, 2018 × Though Sevilla had more chances than United and they completely outplayed Manchester United in the first half. Manchester United have now failed to reach the quarter-finals for five straight years.

Champions League: Sevilla create history, boot out Manchester United

The Red Devils from Britain are set to face The White and Reds of Spain!

The Jose Mourinho-led Manchester United will meet Sevilla FC to carry forward the first leg clash which was tied 0-0 at the final whistle. United will welcome Sevilla to Old Trafford on Tuesday night/ Wednesday morning&nbsp;for the decisive second leg of the last-16. The match will start at 1:15 am IST early Wednesday morning.

The winner of the game will enter the quarter-finals. Sevilla FC has a chance to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time in sixty years.

On the other hand, If Manchester United losses then it will be Michael Carrick&#39;s last match in Champions League, as he announced his retirement.

Sevilla&#39;s Italian coach Vincenzo Montella said, &quot;This will be a game&nbsp;where it will be very complicated on the pitch.&quot;

&quot;We are up against a great opponent with great players, a great manager and a club with great history. We know we&#39;ll have to give our all and take the small moments in the game which fall our way to change the game. We are ready to do all of this, he further added&quot;

Manchester United:

The Red Devils manager has confirmed that Anthony Martial is fit to return as he was absent for previous two games.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba were seen training on Monday which is a good news for Manchester United.

Manchester will enter the game with a high as they have won three consecutive wins in the Premier League. They came from behind and leapfrogged Chelsea and Crystal Palace to reach the spot two.

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Good to see <a href="https://twitter.com/AnthonyMartial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnthonyMartial</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Ibra_official?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ibra_Official</a> in training ahead of tomorrow&rsquo;s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> return leg. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/L0Mi4oLdJ6">pic.twitter.com/L0Mi4oLdJ6</a>
&mdash; Manchester United (@ManUtd) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/973255602628526086?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Sevilla FC:

Currently, Sevilla is standing at number fifth position in LaLiga and are eleven points behind number four seated Valencia, hence, their hope of finishing as top four are very less.

Sevilla recently, shared a video on Twitter that says, &quot;We have already done incredible things&hellip;.Why not again?&quot;

Though, Sevilla is also not letting this go easily as they have one advantage of not losing any of the three fixtures they have played against English opposition this season.

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We have already done incredible things&hellip;.Why not again? ???????? 
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/vamosmisevilla?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#vamosmisevilla</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/HHpqvGAlqX">pic.twitter.com/HHpqvGAlqX</a>
&mdash; Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) <a href="https://twitter.com/SevillaFC_ENG/status/973306059833204736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The Jose Mourinho-led Manchester United tied 0-0 with Sevilla FC in the first leg. The second leg will be played at Old Trafford

The Red Devils from Britain are set to face The White and Reds of Spain! The Jose Mourinho-led Manchester United will meet Sevilla FC to carry forward the first leg clash which was tied 0-0 at the final whistle. United will welcome Sevilla to Old Trafford on Tuesday night/ Wednesday morning for the decisive second leg of the last-16. The match will start at 1:15 am IST early Wednesday morning. The winner of the game will enter the quarter-finals. Sevilla FC has a chance to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time in sixty years. On the other hand, If Manchester United losses then it will be Michael Carrick's last match in Champions League, as he announced his retirement. Sevilla's Italian coach Vincenzo Montella said, "This will be a game where it will be very complicated on the pitch." "We are up against a great opponent with great players, a great manager and a club with great history. We know we'll have to give our all and take the small moments in the game which fall our way to change the game. We are ready to do all of this, he further added" Manchester United: The Red Devils manager has confirmed that Anthony Martial is fit to return as he was absent for previous two games. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba were seen training on Monday which is a good news for Manchester United. Manchester will enter the game with a high as they have won three consecutive wins in the Premier League. They came from behind and leapfrogged Chelsea and Crystal Palace to reach the spot two. Good to see @AnthonyMartial and @Ibra_Official in training ahead of tomorrow’s #UCL return leg. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/L0Mi4oLdJ6 — Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 12, 2018 × Sevilla FC: Currently, Sevilla is standing at number fifth position in LaLiga and are eleven points behind number four seated Valencia, hence, their hope of finishing as top four are very less. Sevilla recently, shared a video on Twitter that says, "We have already done incredible things….Why not again?" Though, Sevilla is also not letting this go easily as they have one advantage of not losing any of the three fixtures they have played against English opposition this season. We have already done incredible things….Why not again? ???????? #vamosmisevilla #UCL pic.twitter.com/HHpqvGAlqX — Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) March 12, 2018 ×

Champions League match preview: Manchester United take on Sevilla

Usain Bolt, the fastest man on earth has finally revealed that which football team he has signed for after announcing his interest to conquer the football field since retiring from sprint racing last year.

Multiple Olympic champion Usain Bolt is a die-hard Manchester United fan but his football debut is not for The Red Devils, it is actually&nbsp;for the &#39;Rest of the World&#39; team in the charity match.

Earlier he had revealed playing football is something that he wants to pursue and since then, the world was waiting for his arrival on the football ground.

He will lead the &#39;Rest of the World&nbsp;XI&#39; against &#39;Robbie Williams&#39; England&#39; side on Sunday, June 10 at Soccer Aid 2018 Old Trafford.

Soccer Aid, which has raised over &pound;20 million for UNICEF&nbsp;was started in 2006. The event previously featured Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane and Peter Schmeichel, along with celebs such as Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson and James McAvoy.

The Jamaican multi-time sprint champion also took to the racing track to greet young fans and show off his trademark &#39;lightning&nbsp;bolt&#39; pose.

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I&#39;ve signed for a football team! Find out which one this Tuesday at 8am GMT ???? <a href="https://t.co/iFTlWxfy7x">pic.twitter.com/iFTlWxfy7x</a>
&mdash; Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) <a href="https://twitter.com/usainbolt/status/967821399430705152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Excited to announce that I will be playing in <a href="https://twitter.com/socceraid?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@socceraid</a> for <a href="https://twitter.com/UNICEF_uk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UNICEF_uk</a> 2018 at Old Trafford on Sunday 10th June. Make sure you&#39;re ready <a href="https://twitter.com/robbiewilliams?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@robbiewilliams</a>! ⚽️???? <a href="https://t.co/t2sDB1iLP8">pic.twitter.com/t2sDB1iLP8</a>
&mdash; Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) <a href="https://twitter.com/usainbolt/status/968395228855062529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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.<a href="https://twitter.com/usainbolt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UsainBolt</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/robbiewilliams?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RobbieWilliams</a> to go head-to-head at Old Trafford this summer... all in the name of charity, of course! 
 
Don&rsquo;t miss <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SoccerAid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SoccerAid</a> on 10 June: <a href="https://t.co/tRIPE78SvO">https://t.co/tRIPE78SvO</a> <a href="https://t.co/orSpfpLF7E">pic.twitter.com/orSpfpLF7E</a>
&mdash; Manchester United (@ManUtd) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/968396063110557697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Usain Bolt to play at Old Trafford in 2018 Soccer Aid charity match

Usain Bolt, the fastest man on earth has finally revealed that which football team he has signed for after announcing his interest to conquer the football field since retiring from sprint racing last year. Multiple Olympic champion Usain Bolt is a die-hard Manchester United fan but his football debut is not for The Red Devils, it is actually for the 'Rest of the World' team in the charity match. Earlier he had revealed playing football is something that he wants to pursue and since then, the world was waiting for his arrival on the football ground. He will lead the 'Rest of the World XI' against 'Robbie Williams' England' side on Sunday, June 10 at Soccer Aid 2018 Old Trafford. Soccer Aid, which has raised over £20 million for UNICEF was started in 2006. The event previously featured Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane and Peter Schmeichel, along with celebs such as Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson and James McAvoy. The Jamaican multi-time sprint champion also took to the racing track to greet young fans and show off his trademark 'lightning bolt' pose. I've signed for a football team! Find out which one this Tuesday at 8am GMT ???? pic.twitter.com/iFTlWxfy7x — Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) February 25, 2018 × Excited to announce that I will be playing in @socceraid for @UNICEF_uk 2018 at Old Trafford on Sunday 10th June. Make sure you're ready @robbiewilliams! ⚽️???? pic.twitter.com/t2sDB1iLP8 — Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) February 27, 2018 × .@UsainBolt and @RobbieWilliams to go head-to-head at Old Trafford this summer... all in the name of charity, of course! Don’t miss #SoccerAid on 10 June: https://t.co/tRIPE78SvO pic.twitter.com/orSpfpLF7E — Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 27, 2018 ×

Now, Usain Bolt to clash against Robbie Williams in football

The&nbsp;Munich&nbsp;air&nbsp;disaster that destroyed the famed &quot;Busby Babes&quot; still resonates for present Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho 60 years after the tragedy he said on Friday.

The&nbsp;crash&nbsp;killed eight of the United team and three backroom staff -- 23 people in all died -- who had won successive league titles and left manager Matt Busby so badly injured he was given the last rites twice.

However, he survived and rebuilt the side leading it 10 years on with an epic European Cup victory.

Though the 60th anniversary of the&nbsp;crash&nbsp;-- United were returning via&nbsp;Munich&nbsp;from Belgrade after seeing off Red Star Belgrade to reach the European Cup semi-finals -- falls on Tuesday a minute&#39;s silence will be held ahead of Saturday&#39;s home Premier League match against Huddersfield.

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We will never forget. <a href="https://t.co/Bjo3QrvnmS">pic.twitter.com/Bjo3QrvnmS</a>
&mdash; Manchester United (@ManUtd) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/959879502330347525?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;This is something that is part of my life, or part of my football culture before I become Manchester United manager and why?&quot; said Mourinho, who sported a&nbsp;Munich&nbsp;pin badge on his eve of match press conference.

&quot;Because it was such a tragedy that it stayed over these last 60 years.&quot;

Mourinho said the way the club had reacted to such a huge loss and rebuilt the side illustrated what was so special about United.

&quot;So as Manchester United manager, obviously it means much more but I think it belongs to every sportsman as one of the biggest tragedies and at the same time is a crucial point in Man United history,&quot; said Mourinho.

&quot;The reaction, the strength, the union after that situation and I think tomorrow is an amazing day to show the respect, to show the passion for the club, respect for them, the families and I think is a day to play well.&quot;

The club is also holding a commemorative service at Old Trafford on Tuesday -- just two of the players who survived are still alive Bobby Charlton and Harry Gregg -- while around 2,000 fans are expected to travel to&nbsp;Munich&nbsp;itself.

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Mourinho said the way the club had reacted to such a huge loss and rebuilt the side illustrated what was so special about United

The Munich air disaster that destroyed the famed "Busby Babes" still resonates for present Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho 60 years after the tragedy he said on Friday. The crash killed eight of the United team and three backroom staff -- 23 people in all died -- who had won successive league titles and left manager Matt Busby so badly injured he was given the last rites twice. However, he survived and rebuilt the side leading it 10 years on with an epic European Cup victory. Though the 60th anniversary of the crash -- United were returning via Munich from Belgrade after seeing off Red Star Belgrade to reach the European Cup semi-finals -- falls on Tuesday a minute's silence will be held ahead of Saturday's home Premier League match against Huddersfield. We will never forget. pic.twitter.com/Bjo3QrvnmS — Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 3, 2018 × "This is something that is part of my life, or part of my football culture before I become Manchester United manager and why?" said Mourinho, who sported a Munich pin badge on his eve of match press conference. "Because it was such a tragedy that it stayed over these last 60 years." Mourinho said the way the club had reacted to such a huge loss and rebuilt the side illustrated what was so special about United. "So as Manchester United manager, obviously it means much more but I think it belongs to every sportsman as one of the biggest tragedies and at the same time is a crucial point in Man United history," said Mourinho. "The reaction, the strength, the union after that situation and I think tomorrow is an amazing day to show the respect, to show the passion for the club, respect for them, the families and I think is a day to play well." The club is also holding a commemorative service at Old Trafford on Tuesday -- just two of the players who survived are still alive Bobby Charlton and Harry Gregg -- while around 2,000 fans are expected to travel to Munich itself.

Munich air crash left mark on Mourinho

There have been few Manchester derbies with as much on the line as Sunday&#39;s meeting at Old Trafford of the top two teams in the Premier League -- the most anticipated clash of the campaign so far.

Pep Guardiola&#39;s City have built an eight-point lead following an unbeaten start to the season that has included 13 straight victories - equalling the record for the longest winning run in a single Premier League campaign.

Not to be completely outdone, however, Jose Mourinho&rsquo;s Manchester United have equalled a historic club record by remaining unbeaten at Old Trafford for 40 matches in all competitions.

And with former Barcelona boss Guardiola and ex-Real Madrid manager Mourinho having developed a fierce rivalry during their time together in Spain, Sunday&#39;s meeting promises to be one to savour.

The last team to beat United at home were City in September, 2016 and a repeat performance would leave the club, once derided as &quot;noisy neighbours&quot; by former United boss Alex Ferguson, 11 points clear at the summit.

City have been playing some exhilarating football this campaign with coach Guardiola&#39;s style of play, which served him so well at his previous clubs, bringing the expected rewards after a disappointing lack of consistency last season.

Yet while United have suffered two defeats on the road - to Huddersfield Town and Chelsea - they too have looked like champions at home.

The 40 games unbeaten have included 29 wins and 11 draws with 85 goals scored and just 17 conceded.

This season&#39;s Premier League record at Old Trafford is played seven, won seven - 20 goals for and just one against.

Mourinho, however, will be without his key French midfielder Paul Pogba, who starts a three-match ban following his red card in Saturday&#39;s crucial 3-1 win at Arsenal.

United have produced their best football when they have had Pogba and Serbian anchorman Nemanja Matic on the field together and the former Juventus midfielder will be sorely missed.

Given the gap between the two clubs in the table, it will be intriguing to see if Mourinho maintains his habit of playing defensively against title rivals, a tactic which has been much criticised following the goalless draw at Liverpool in October.

Pogba, however, says United will approach the game in a positive fashion.

&quot;We want to win. We need to win as well. They need to win because they know that we are behind and we are closing and closing,&quot; he said.

&quot;If I didn&#39;t believe that (we can win it), I&#39;d stop playing football now,&quot; he added.

United&#39;s Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic should be fit to feature at some stage in the game but defender Eric Bailly remains sidelined.

Pep Guardiola's City have built an eight-point lead following an unbeaten start to the season that has included 13 straight victories - equalling the record for the longest winning run in a single Premier League campaign.

There have been few Manchester derbies with as much on the line as Sunday's meeting at Old Trafford of the top two teams in the Premier League -- the most anticipated clash of the campaign so far. Pep Guardiola's City have built an eight-point lead following an unbeaten start to the season that has included 13 straight victories - equalling the record for the longest winning run in a single Premier League campaign. Not to be completely outdone, however, Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United have equalled a historic club record by remaining unbeaten at Old Trafford for 40 matches in all competitions. And with former Barcelona boss Guardiola and ex-Real Madrid manager Mourinho having developed a fierce rivalry during their time together in Spain, Sunday's meeting promises to be one to savour. The last team to beat United at home were City in September, 2016 and a repeat performance would leave the club, once derided as "noisy neighbours" by former United boss Alex Ferguson, 11 points clear at the summit. City have been playing some exhilarating football this campaign with coach Guardiola's style of play, which served him so well at his previous clubs, bringing the expected rewards after a disappointing lack of consistency last season. Yet while United have suffered two defeats on the road - to Huddersfield Town and Chelsea - they too have looked like champions at home. The 40 games unbeaten have included 29 wins and 11 draws with 85 goals scored and just 17 conceded. This season's Premier League record at Old Trafford is played seven, won seven - 20 goals for and just one against. Mourinho, however, will be without his key French midfielder Paul Pogba, who starts a three-match ban following his red card in Saturday's crucial 3-1 win at Arsenal. United have produced their best football when they have had Pogba and Serbian anchorman Nemanja Matic on the field together and the former Juventus midfielder will be sorely missed. Given the gap between the two clubs in the table, it will be intriguing to see if Mourinho maintains his habit of playing defensively against title rivals, a tactic which has been much criticised following the goalless draw at Liverpool in October. Pogba, however, says United will approach the game in a positive fashion. "We want to win. We need to win as well. They need to win because they know that we are behind and we are closing and closing," he said. "If I didn't believe that (we can win it), I'd stop playing football now," he added. United's Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic should be fit to feature at some stage in the game but defender Eric Bailly remains sidelined.

Football: Stakes are high in Manchester derby

Manchester United opened up the Premier League title race with a convincing 2-0 home victory over leaders Chelsea on Sunday that leaves second-placed Tottenham Hotspur just four points behind.

Goals by Marcus Rashford and Ander Herrera sank Chelsea and, with six games left for the top two, there is little room for any more slip-ups by Antonio Conte&#39;s side who a few weeks ago looked like they were running away with the title.

While Chelsea remain favourites to win the league, Conte will be concerned about the manner of the defeat at Old Trafford where they were rarely able to turn possession into chances.

The west London side are top with 75 points, ahead of Spurs on 71, also from 32 games, Liverpool with 66 from 33, Manchester City on 64 from 32 and United with 60 from 31.

&quot;Manchester United deserved to win because they showed more desire, more motivation, more ambition to win this game,&quot; Conte told the BBC.

&quot;This league is not closed. Tottenham are on great form and playing with great enthusiasm but we are playing a great season and we must try to reach this target.&quot;

The strikes by Rashford and Herrera at the start of each half were enough for United who, despite resting several players against Chelsea ahead of Thursday&#39;s Europa League quarter-final return leg at home to Anderlecht, were good value for their win.

United manager Jose Mourinho started with top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic on the bench but delivered a tactical masterclass against his former club, largely nullifying the threat from the usually dangerous Eden Hazard.

&quot;Chelsea are the best counter-attacking team in the country and we controlled them very well. I&#39;m really happy with the boys. I&#39;m happy -- not because it&#39;s Chelsea, it&#39;s because we need these three points,&quot; Mourinho told the BBC.

&quot;I don&rsquo;t feel extra joy at beating Chelsea -- we beat the leader. It doesn&rsquo;t matter if the leader is Chelsea or another -- we beat them convincingly. Nobody can doubt our credit to win the game.&quot;

Chelsea got a warning after five minutes when United forward Jesse Lingaard robbed defender David Luiz and fed Rashford, but the 19-year-old striker dragged his shot wide.

Two minutes later, though, Herrera won the ball in midfield, possibly by using his hand, and delivered an inch-perfect pass into the path of Rashford who outpaced Luiz and fired low into the far corner of the net.

&nbsp;

CONFIDENT UNITED

Looking confident and full of verve, United pushed forward with intent while Chelsea were unusually ineffective going forward, with Herrera doing an excellent marking job on Hazard.

There was another individual battle going on with Chelsea striker Diego Costa and United defender Marcos Rojo engaged in an often physical struggle for dominance and Costa&rsquo;s frustration resulted in a yellow card for a foul on Paul Pogba.

United threatened to strike again before the break when Rashford found some space for a cross which Chelsea defender Gary Cahill headed just over his own bar.

United&#39;s Ashley Young then blasted over from a promising position on the stroke of halftime but the hosts did not have to wait long after the break to double their advantage.

Chelsea&#39;s normally reliable N&rsquo;Golo Kante was robbed inside the area by Young and he cleverly laid back the ball to Herrera whose well-struck effort deflected off Kurt Zouma into the net.

Ibrahimovic was brought on for Rashford in the 82nd minute, with the England striker receiving a deserved standing ovation after an outstanding performance.

While United&rsquo;s hopes of making the top four will be boosted by the win, the major impact will be felt in north London where Spurs will sense a chance to chase down Chelsea&rsquo;s four-point lead in the final six games of the season.

(Reuters)

Goals by Marcus Rashford and Ander Herrera sank Chelsea and, with six games left for the top two, there is little room for any more slip-ups

Manchester United opened up the Premier League title race with a convincing 2-0 home victory over leaders Chelsea on Sunday that leaves second-placed Tottenham Hotspur just four points behind. Goals by Marcus Rashford and Ander Herrera sank Chelsea and, with six games left for the top two, there is little room for any more slip-ups by Antonio Conte's side who a few weeks ago looked like they were running away with the title. While Chelsea remain favourites to win the league, Conte will be concerned about the manner of the defeat at Old Trafford where they were rarely able to turn possession into chances. The west London side are top with 75 points, ahead of Spurs on 71, also from 32 games, Liverpool with 66 from 33, Manchester City on 64 from 32 and United with 60 from 31. "Manchester United deserved to win because they showed more desire, more motivation, more ambition to win this game," Conte told the BBC. "This league is not closed. Tottenham are on great form and playing with great enthusiasm but we are playing a great season and we must try to reach this target." The strikes by Rashford and Herrera at the start of each half were enough for United who, despite resting several players against Chelsea ahead of Thursday's Europa League quarter-final return leg at home to Anderlecht, were good value for their win. United manager Jose Mourinho started with top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic on the bench but delivered a tactical masterclass against his former club, largely nullifying the threat from the usually dangerous Eden Hazard. "Chelsea are the best counter-attacking team in the country and we controlled them very well. I'm really happy with the boys. I'm happy -- not because it's Chelsea, it's because we need these three points," Mourinho told the BBC. "I don’t feel extra joy at beating Chelsea -- we beat the leader. It doesn’t matter if the leader is Chelsea or another -- we beat them convincingly. Nobody can doubt our credit to win the game." Chelsea got a warning after five minutes when United forward Jesse Lingaard robbed defender David Luiz and fed Rashford, but the 19-year-old striker dragged his shot wide. Two minutes later, though, Herrera won the ball in midfield, possibly by using his hand, and delivered an inch-perfect pass into the path of Rashford who outpaced Luiz and fired low into the far corner of the net. CONFIDENT UNITED Looking confident and full of verve, United pushed forward with intent while Chelsea were unusually ineffective going forward, with Herrera doing an excellent marking job on Hazard. There was another individual battle going on with Chelsea striker Diego Costa and United defender Marcos Rojo engaged in an often physical struggle for dominance and Costa’s frustration resulted in a yellow card for a foul on Paul Pogba. United threatened to strike again before the break when Rashford found some space for a cross which Chelsea defender Gary Cahill headed just over his own bar. United's Ashley Young then blasted over from a promising position on the stroke of halftime but the hosts did not have to wait long after the break to double their advantage. Chelsea's normally reliable N’Golo Kante was robbed inside the area by Young and he cleverly laid back the ball to Herrera whose well-struck effort deflected off Kurt Zouma into the net. Ibrahimovic was brought on for Rashford in the 82nd minute, with the England striker receiving a deserved standing ovation after an outstanding performance. While United’s hopes of making the top four will be boosted by the win, the major impact will be felt in north London where Spurs will sense a chance to chase down Chelsea’s four-point lead in the final six games of the season. (Reuters)

Manchester United offer hope to Spurs with 2-0 win over Chelsea

Manchester United will reduce its stadium capacity to create 300 seats for the specially-abled supporters.

The club, dubbed by Deloitte as the richest club in the world, will pare down its seating capacity from&nbsp;75,635 to about 73,000.

The accommodation of the specially-abled supporters means 2,600 season-ticket holders will be moved from their current positions over the next three years.

&quot;Old Trafford is a home for all United fans and these changes will help many more of our loyal disabled supporters to attend games to watch their heroes,&quot; said United&#39;s group managing director Richard Arnold.

Arnold added: &quot;We know that many of the affected season-ticket holders have held their seats for decades and it will be a sacrifice to give them up.

&quot;But we also know that the vast majority will understand and support this expansion.&quot;

United hope the change will be completed by August.

The decision has been giving a ringing endorsement by the&nbsp;Premier League club&#39;s disabled fans. &nbsp;

(WION with inputs from AFP)

Old Trafford's seating capacity will be cut from?75,635 to about 73,000

Manchester United will reduce its stadium capacity to create 300 seats for the specially-abled supporters. The club, dubbed by Deloitte as the richest club in the world, will pare down its seating capacity from 75,635 to about 73,000. The accommodation of the specially-abled supporters means 2,600 season-ticket holders will be moved from their current positions over the next three years. "Old Trafford is a home for all United fans and these changes will help many more of our loyal disabled supporters to attend games to watch their heroes," said United's group managing director Richard Arnold. Arnold added: "We know that many of the affected season-ticket holders have held their seats for decades and it will be a sacrifice to give them up. "But we also know that the vast majority will understand and support this expansion." United hope the change will be completed by August. The decision has been giving a ringing endorsement by the Premier League club's disabled fans. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Manchester United to pare down stadium capacity to accommodate more specially-abled fans

Five facts on Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic after he announced that&nbsp;he is signing for English Premier League giants Manchester United today:

League titles but no Champions League crown

Ibrahimovic&#39;s goals have delivered league titles wherever he has gone, from the Netherlands to Italy to Spain and France, but never has he touched the Champions League trophy. Inter Milan and Barcelona won it, but after he had left them. United cannot give him it next season either as they failed to qualify, so he will just have to hope that they get a crack at it for the 2017-18 campaign and that he is still on the playing staff.

Carrot and stick approach needed for Ibracadabra magic

Ibrahimovic is such a contrary character that his coach at a previous club AC Milan Massimiliano Allegri says he needs constant attention if he is to be temperamentally ready to produce his magic turn on the pitch. &quot;With him, you have to use both the stick and the carrot,&quot; he was quoted in The Guardian in 2012. &quot;Ibra is a strong personality and needs to be relaxed at times, while in other occasions he has to be stimulated, otherwise he falls asleep.&quot; Swedish national coach Erik Hamren called him out when he retired from international football in 2009 telling him do come back but not as the depressed donkey Eeyore but as Winnie The Pooh.

Opponents pay homage to &#39;God&#39;

Fair to say Ibrahimovic through his exploits, his superstar appeal and lively temperament lit up a pretty moribund Ligue 1 for the past few seasons.&nbsp;Even opposing clubs felt compelled to offer their &quot;thanks&quot;&nbsp;for his presence, even if he hurt them by scoring goals against them. Such a case was Toulouse, who would have pleased him with the divine being they compared him to given his penchant for adorning himself with epithets in 2014. &quot;Today is your birthday, 33, the age of Christ, your son. Happy birthday and long live the Z! Despite the perverse pleasure you took scoring goals against us the last two seasons, we are not vindictive. We want to thank you. For everything.&quot;

Bikes, bed and docks

No one can begrudge Ibrahimovic his riches given he has fought hard to rise to the top, and at one point would have stuck with working on the docks in Malmo rather than attempting to carve out a football career. His youth team manager at the time persuaded him to stick with the &quot;beautiful game&quot;. Not that he needed a father figure, for despite his Bosnian caretaker dad splitting from his Croatian mother when he was just two, he spent more time with his dad Sefik, who nevertheless was badly affected by the Balkan War even though he had left Bosnia years before. Ibrahimovic -- who during his youth once stole a bicycle to get himself to training -- related to The Guardian in 2014 a moving story about his impoverished father shelling out for an IKEA bed&nbsp;for him. However, they had no way of getting it back home. &quot;We carried it home between us. It&#39;s fantastic what we did. I had time with my mother but I really lived with my father. One time he gave all his salary so I could travel to a training camp. He couldn&rsquo;t pay the rent but he did that.&quot;

Literary Roth of God

Most footballer&#39;s autobiographies generally don&#39;t provide much insight or indeed entertainment, but Ibrahimovic&#39;s &#39;I am Zlatan Ibrahimovic&#39; unsurprisingly bucked the trend. Not often in such tomes will you read anecdotes such as this, about his companion and mother of his children, Helena Seger: &quot;She came from a model family from Lindesberg, one of those families where they say, &#39;Darling, would you please pass me the milk?&#39;, whereas we at table mostly we just hurled death threats at each other.&quot; Indeed one critic compared it to US literary legend Philip Roth&#39;s fictional biography Portnoy&#39;s Complaint, both about growing up as immigrants. 
 
(AFP)

'Time to let the world know my next destination is @Manutd', the 34-year-old said on Twitter today

Five facts on Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic after he announced that he is signing for English Premier League giants Manchester United today: League titles but no Champions League crown Ibrahimovic's goals have delivered league titles wherever he has gone, from the Netherlands to Italy to Spain and France, but never has he touched the Champions League trophy. Inter Milan and Barcelona won it, but after he had left them. United cannot give him it next season either as they failed to qualify, so he will just have to hope that they get a crack at it for the 2017-18 campaign and that he is still on the playing staff. Carrot and stick approach needed for Ibracadabra magic Ibrahimovic is such a contrary character that his coach at a previous club AC Milan Massimiliano Allegri says he needs constant attention if he is to be temperamentally ready to produce his magic turn on the pitch. "With him, you have to use both the stick and the carrot," he was quoted in The Guardian in 2012. "Ibra is a strong personality and needs to be relaxed at times, while in other occasions he has to be stimulated, otherwise he falls asleep." Swedish national coach Erik Hamren called him out when he retired from international football in 2009 telling him do come back but not as the depressed donkey Eeyore but as Winnie The Pooh. Opponents pay homage to 'God' Fair to say Ibrahimovic through his exploits, his superstar appeal and lively temperament lit up a pretty moribund Ligue 1 for the past few seasons. Even opposing clubs felt compelled to offer their "thanks" for his presence, even if he hurt them by scoring goals against them. Such a case was Toulouse, who would have pleased him with the divine being they compared him to given his penchant for adorning himself with epithets in 2014. "Today is your birthday, 33, the age of Christ, your son. Happy birthday and long live the Z! Despite the perverse pleasure you took scoring goals against us the last two seasons, we are not vindictive. We want to thank you. For everything." Bikes, bed and docks No one can begrudge Ibrahimovic his riches given he has fought hard to rise to the top, and at one point would have stuck with working on the docks in Malmo rather than attempting to carve out a football career. His youth team manager at the time persuaded him to stick with the "beautiful game". Not that he needed a father figure, for despite his Bosnian caretaker dad splitting from his Croatian mother when he was just two, he spent more time with his dad Sefik, who nevertheless was badly affected by the Balkan War even though he had left Bosnia years before. Ibrahimovic -- who during his youth once stole a bicycle to get himself to training -- related to The Guardian in 2014 a moving story about his impoverished father shelling out for an IKEA bed for him. However, they had no way of getting it back home. "We carried it home between us. It's fantastic what we did. I had time with my mother but I really lived with my father. One time he gave all his salary so I could travel to a training camp. He couldn’t pay the rent but he did that." Literary Roth of God Most footballer's autobiographies generally don't provide much insight or indeed entertainment, but Ibrahimovic's 'I am Zlatan Ibrahimovic' unsurprisingly bucked the trend. Not often in such tomes will you read anecdotes such as this, about his companion and mother of his children, Helena Seger: "She came from a model family from Lindesberg, one of those families where they say, 'Darling, would you please pass me the milk?', whereas we at table mostly we just hurled death threats at each other." Indeed one critic compared it to US literary legend Philip Roth's fictional biography Portnoy's Complaint, both about growing up as immigrants. (AFP)

Five Facts about Manchester United's sensational signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Zlatan Ibrahimovic said today&nbsp;that he is joining Manchester United, ending intense speculation about where the 34-year-old Swedish superstar forward will be playing next season.

Ibrahimovic, who was a free agent after ending a hugely successful stay at Paris Saint-Germain, becomes the second signing of new United boss Jose Mourinho after that of highly rated Ivory Coast centre-back Eric Bailly from the Spanish outfit Villarreal.

&quot;Time to let the world know. My next destination is Manchester United,&quot; he wrote on Instagram and Facebook, complete with a picture of the United badge, as comments approving of the move,&nbsp;one of the biggest of the summer so far,&nbsp;flooded in.

Ibrahimovic reunites with Mourinho, after they enjoyed a good relationship while together at Italians Inter Milan, in what is likely to be the last major move in a career spanning five countries, starting with Malmo.

The towering Swede, who hit 62 goals in 116 international matches, had toyed with questioners for weeks about where he would be going and it will be his first time playing in the Premier League.

Ibrahimovic, who quit international football after Sweden crashed out of Euro 2016, has also played at Ajax, Juventus, Barcelona and AC Milan during a career in which he has become as well known for his colourful personality as his prowess in front of goal.

He had also been linked with a return to AC Milan and his agent had suggested that Major League Soccer in the United States was another potential destination. 
 
Mourinho means &#39;action&#39;&nbsp;

Ibrahimovic will bolster a forward line at Old Trafford that looked desperately short of ideas, depth and talent last season under Louis van Gaal.

Wayne Rooney could well play deeper next season, in midfield, while French starlet Anthony Martial had to carry the United attack despite his tender years until youngster Marcus Rashford burst onto the scene late on in the campaign.

Van Gaal paid out heavily for his fellow Dutchman Memphis Depay, but he failed to deliver and spent the second half of the season on the bench.

Ibrahimovic said weeks ago that he knew where he would be playing football next season, but kept the football world guessing -- typical of his mercurial personality.

&quot;Yes, I have made my choice,&quot; Ibrahimovic tantalisingly told a press conference at a training camp near Stockholm for the Swedish national team ahead of Euro 2016.

He said then that he had decided &quot;long ago&quot; but dodged all questions about whether that team was Manchester United, where Mourinho has replaced van Gaal after the Dutchman&#39;s troubled two-year reign at Old Trafford came to a bitter end.

Asked a direct question about whether he had received an offer from United, Ibrahimovic&#39;s hesitancy in answering spoke volumes.

He drummed his fingers on the table, smiled and eventually replied: &quot;Let&#39;s see what happens.&quot;

&quot;There are concrete offers from England, Italy... all countries. There are even some from outside Europe,&quot; he said.

&quot;There are many, many alternatives.&quot;

But when asked whether he was tempted to work again with Mourinho, Ibrahimovic said only that they had worked well together at Inter Milan, where the Swede played from 2006 to 2009.

&quot;You want action, you bring Mourinho. I believe he&#39;s the man to bring them back to the top. Wherever he went he won,&quot; the Swede said of Mourinho taking over at United, where he will be tasked with bringing back the glory days sorely missing under van Gaal.

There was no immediate word from United on Ibrahimovic. 
 
(AFP)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will play under new United manager Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford

Zlatan Ibrahimovic said today that he is joining Manchester United, ending intense speculation about where the 34-year-old Swedish superstar forward will be playing next season. Ibrahimovic, who was a free agent after ending a hugely successful stay at Paris Saint-Germain, becomes the second signing of new United boss Jose Mourinho after that of highly rated Ivory Coast centre-back Eric Bailly from the Spanish outfit Villarreal. "Time to let the world know. My next destination is Manchester United," he wrote on Instagram and Facebook, complete with a picture of the United badge, as comments approving of the move, one of the biggest of the summer so far, flooded in. Ibrahimovic reunites with Mourinho, after they enjoyed a good relationship while together at Italians Inter Milan, in what is likely to be the last major move in a career spanning five countries, starting with Malmo. The towering Swede, who hit 62 goals in 116 international matches, had toyed with questioners for weeks about where he would be going and it will be his first time playing in the Premier League. Ibrahimovic, who quit international football after Sweden crashed out of Euro 2016, has also played at Ajax, Juventus, Barcelona and AC Milan during a career in which he has become as well known for his colourful personality as his prowess in front of goal. He had also been linked with a return to AC Milan and his agent had suggested that Major League Soccer in the United States was another potential destination. Mourinho means 'action' Ibrahimovic will bolster a forward line at Old Trafford that looked desperately short of ideas, depth and talent last season under Louis van Gaal. Wayne Rooney could well play deeper next season, in midfield, while French starlet Anthony Martial had to carry the United attack despite his tender years until youngster Marcus Rashford burst onto the scene late on in the campaign. Van Gaal paid out heavily for his fellow Dutchman Memphis Depay, but he failed to deliver and spent the second half of the season on the bench. Ibrahimovic said weeks ago that he knew where he would be playing football next season, but kept the football world guessing -- typical of his mercurial personality. "Yes, I have made my choice," Ibrahimovic tantalisingly told a press conference at a training camp near Stockholm for the Swedish national team ahead of Euro 2016. He said then that he had decided "long ago" but dodged all questions about whether that team was Manchester United, where Mourinho has replaced van Gaal after the Dutchman's troubled two-year reign at Old Trafford came to a bitter end. Asked a direct question about whether he had received an offer from United, Ibrahimovic's hesitancy in answering spoke volumes. He drummed his fingers on the table, smiled and eventually replied: "Let's see what happens." "There are concrete offers from England, Italy... all countries. There are even some from outside Europe," he said. "There are many, many alternatives." But when asked whether he was tempted to work again with Mourinho, Ibrahimovic said only that they had worked well together at Inter Milan, where the Swede played from 2006 to 2009. "You want action, you bring Mourinho. I believe he's the man to bring them back to the top. Wherever he went he won," the Swede said of Mourinho taking over at United, where he will be tasked with bringing back the glory days sorely missing under van Gaal. There was no immediate word from United on Ibrahimovic. (AFP)

Ibrahimovic says he is joining Manchester United

Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is joining Premier League club Manchester United, he said on Twitter today. 
 
&quot;Time to let the world know my next destination is @Manutd,&quot; the 34-year-old said. 
 
Ibrahimovic had been widely expected to make the move to England after announcing he was leaving French side Paris St Germain. 
 
United will be the eighth club in a career which began at Malmo in 1999 and has included spells at Ajax Amsterdam, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona and AC Milan. 
 
At Old Trafford he will play under new United manager Jose Mourinho. 
 
(Reuters)

Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is joining Premier League club Manchester United, he said on Twitter today. "Time to let the world know my next destination is @Manutd," the 34-year-old said. Ibrahimovic had been widely expected to make the move to England after announcing he was leaving French side Paris St Germain. United will be the eighth club in a career which began at Malmo in 1999 and has included spells at Ajax Amsterdam, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona and AC Milan. At Old Trafford he will play under new United manager Jose Mourinho. (Reuters)

Jose Mourinho officially started work as Manchester United manager at the club&#39;s Carrington training base on Monday. 
 
The Portuguese man travelled to Manchester by train on Sunday night and posted a video on Instagram showing his arrival at Picadilly station, saying: &quot;I am here/UNITED we can&quot;. 
 
He arrived at Carrington with goalkeeping coach Silvino Louro on Monday morning. 
 
The 53-year-old was appointed as United boss in May after the sacking of Dutchman Louis van Gaal. 
 
Van Gaal won the FA Cup in his final match in charge, but in the Premier League he led the Red Devils to only fourth and fifth-placed finishes in his two seasons. 
 
Mourinho has already begun shaping his new squad to grace Old Trafford next season, with former Paris-Saint Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ivorian defender Eric Bailly high-profile new signings. 
 
The former Chelsea coach is also close to concluding a deal for Borussia Dortmund&#39;s Armenian playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan. 
 
The German club announced on Saturday that Mkhitaryan was close to finalising a deal with United after they had accepted an &quot;enormously valuable offer&quot;. 
 
Mourinho, who has won the Champions League with Porto and Inter Milan, saw his second spell at Stamford Bridge unceremoniously ended after a disastrous start to the Blues&#39; league title defence last term. 
 
Mourinho is set to be formally unveiled as United head coach on Tuesday before the players start pre-season training the following day. 
 
The three-time European champions take on Dortmund and rivals Manchester City on their pre-season tour of China later in July. 
 
(AFP)

Other new high-profile signings include former Paris-Saint Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ivorian defender Eric Bailly

Jose Mourinho officially started work as Manchester United manager at the club's Carrington training base on Monday. The Portuguese man travelled to Manchester by train on Sunday night and posted a video on Instagram showing his arrival at Picadilly station, saying: "I am here/UNITED we can". He arrived at Carrington with goalkeeping coach Silvino Louro on Monday morning. The 53-year-old was appointed as United boss in May after the sacking of Dutchman Louis van Gaal. Van Gaal won the FA Cup in his final match in charge, but in the Premier League he led the Red Devils to only fourth and fifth-placed finishes in his two seasons. Mourinho has already begun shaping his new squad to grace Old Trafford next season, with former Paris-Saint Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ivorian defender Eric Bailly high-profile new signings. The former Chelsea coach is also close to concluding a deal for Borussia Dortmund's Armenian playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan. The German club announced on Saturday that Mkhitaryan was close to finalising a deal with United after they had accepted an "enormously valuable offer". Mourinho, who has won the Champions League with Porto and Inter Milan, saw his second spell at Stamford Bridge unceremoniously ended after a disastrous start to the Blues' league title defence last term. Mourinho is set to be formally unveiled as United head coach on Tuesday before the players start pre-season training the following day. The three-time European champions take on Dortmund and rivals Manchester City on their pre-season tour of China later in July. (AFP)

Jose Mourinho's coaching reign kicks off in Manchester United

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